BOSTON — The Cleveland Cavaliers, closing in on the return of point guard Kyrie Irving, won their third consecutive game Tuesday night.
With Irving almost ready to make his season debut after recovering from a knee injury, LeBron James capped a 12-0 third-quarter run with a reverse slam dunk, and the Cavs went on to an 89-77 victory over the Boston Celtics.
James, who finished with 24 points, had six during that run and also capped a 10-3 fourth-quarter spurt that made things comfortable for Cleveland.
Guard Avery Bradley led the Celtics with 17 points, while forward Jae Crowder, who played strong defense on James much of the night, added 14. Guard Isaiah Thomas shot 3-for-15 from the floor en route to 12 points.
Nuggets 112, Timberwolves 100
MINNEAPOLIS — Kenneth Faried had 19 points and 10 rebounds and reserve Randy Foye added 19 points off the bench as Denver took down Minnesota.
Six Nuggets scored in double-figures. Danilo Gallinari had 14 points, while Will Barton chipped in 14.
Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota with 23 points on nine-of-17 shooting. Guard Zach LaVine added 20 points and five assists off the bench in the loss.